NBA Player News

For the second time in as many games, Leonard had the opportunity to play the role of hero in the final seconds on Monday. Unfortunately for him and the Clippers, Leonard’s jump from just inside the three-point line fell short. The defeat ended an 11-year personal win streak for Kawhi against the Heat, but that won’t concern fantasy managers. What will concern them is Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue saying after the loss that he wasn’t sure if Leonard or Bradley Beal (12/1/2/1 with two three-pointers) would be available for Tuesday’s game against the Thunder. Leonard said after Friday’s win over the Thunder that he isn’t under any restrictions and will play both games of the back-to-back. Don’t be surprised if his name shows up on the injury report.

Sexton missed the Hornets’ most recent game with a neck injury, but he’s good to go for Monday. With LaMelo Ball (ankle) still out, Sexton should return to the starting lineup, pushing Tre Mann to the bench.

Bridges is dealing with back spasms, which is why he is on the injury report for Monday night. He’s yet to miss a game this season, and Bridges not playing would leave a sizable hole in the Hornets’ rotation. Pat Connaughton may figure more prominently in the rotation after playing 10 minutes in Friday’s loss to the Heat, but he would not be worth streaming.

Ball has missed the last three games with a right ankle impingement, and he’ll miss a fourth on Monday. Tre Mann started Friday’s loss to the Heat, but that was due to Collin Sexton also being out. With Sexton absent from the Hornets’ injury report for Monday, he’ll likely replace Mann in the starting lineup.

While Peter was made available for Saturday’s loss to the Nuggets after initially being questionable, he did not play. With Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam joining the lengthy list of absentees, Peter will likely play rotation minutes if cleared.

Siakam, who has shouldered a heavy workload this season due to the Pacers’ many injuries, will get Sunday night off. This is a brutal hit for fantasy managers who were hoping for a big performance from Spicy P on the final night of Week 3. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl’s playing time will likely increase after he logged 15 minutes on Saturday, but he isn’t the most trustworthy streaming option. If Jarace Walker is on the waiver wire, add him first.

Nesmith has a right forearm contusion and will not play on Sunday, the Pacers’ second game in as many nights. Given the number of players who won’t be available, now is the time to go “all-in” on Jarace Walker out of necessity. If you hadn’t already done so.

Missi could return following a three-game absence, and his availability could mean fewer minutes for Karlo Matkovic and Kevon Looney. With Zion Williamson (hamstring) out at least a week, rookie Derik Queen still carries some fantasy appeal.

Shannon Jr. will sit out a third straight game, and in his absence, Mike Conley, Rob Dillingham and Jaylen Clark should pick up some extra playing time. Minnesota plays a back-to-back set, so Shannon Jr.'s next chance to take the court will come on Monday against the Jazz.

With Dort out again, look for Ajay Mitchell to join the starting five for a third straight game. Mitchell is off to a blistering start to the 2025-26 campaign, and the good times should keep rolling on Sunday.

No surprise here, as Giannis carried a probable designation into Saturday afternoon. Still, fantasy managers now have confirmation that the Greek Freak is available, and he should be deployed as usual in lineups for Sunday’s early showdown with Kevin Durant and the Rockets.